100 percent of MD MEP 2016 Baltimore Boot Camp graduates earn jobs

Columbia, Md. – The Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing manufacturing in the State of Maryland, announced today that 100 percent of its 2016 MD MEP Baltimore Boot Camp graduates have gained employment with Baltimore manufacturers Berry Plastics Corporation and Tulkoff Food Products, Inc.

The 2016 Baltimore Boot Camp was an intensive two-week training program that began in late September, featuring classroom and on-the-job training for unemployed and under-employed candidates. MD MEP partnered with two faith-based groups, Turnaround Tuesday and Open Door America, to select candidates for the Boot Camp. Classroom training covered soft skills and manufacturing 101, while on-the-job training allowed participants to shadow employees on the plant floor of participating companies. Candidates focused on acquiring a mix of life, basic job and basic manufacturing skills necessary to increase their employability and prepare them for jobs.

Of six 2016 Baltimore Boot Camp graduates, all six graduates have gained employment, including five candidates with criminal backgrounds that previously impeded their job searches. Three graduates have begun new careers as machine operators at Berry Plastics, and three graduates started careers as sanitation technicians at Tulkoff Food Products, beginning November 14, 2016.

“We are thrilled to announce that 100 percent of our Baltimore Boot Camp graduates have earned employment with Baltimore manufacturers. Maryland manufacturers continue to struggle to find qualified workers and we are proud of the success of our Boot Camp Program in meeting some of these hiring needs.” said Brian Sweeney, Executive Director of MD MEP.

MD MEP’s Manufacturing Boot Camp program is funded by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation’s Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) program.

“The Department is thrilled to support the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership in its efforts to help Maryland manufacturers grow and thrive,” said Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.” The manufacturing Boot Camp ensures that employers have a qualified pipeline of skilled workers who are able to contribute on day one, significantly decreasing training costs, while increasing retention rates. I am looking forward to the continued success of the Maryland MEP and our partnership to ensure that manufacturing continues to flourish in Maryland.”

To learn more about MD MEP and its boot camp programs, please visit www.mdmep.org.

About Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP):

MD MEP works with partners throughout the state including the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) and others focused on growing manufacturing in the State of Maryland by providing resources and services to manufacturers statewide. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, MD MEP helps Maryland manufacturers expand their business, educate their workforce and create mutually beneficial connections with other Maryland businesses. For more information, please visit www.mdmep.org.

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